Is it your chore to walk the dog, take out the trash, or wash the car? Try these five tips to help save the Lake! More tips are below for grown-ups--everyone can help! Free bookmarks (like the graphic on the right) are available for classrooms. Contact the LCBP to order.

1. SCOOP THE POOP! Pick up pet waste and throw it out in the trash or toilet to prevent the waste from being washed into the Lake.
   MORE info: www.uvm.edu/~empact/water/scoop_poop.php3



2. DON'T TRASH TOXICS! Look for key words like, Warning! Danger! Poison! Caution! on household products, including cleaners, paints, bug sprays, and hobby supplies. Take these items to a hazardous waste depot--do not throw into your regular trash!
   MORE info: www.cswd.net/hazardous_waste



3. WASH CARS ON THE LAWN! Wash cars on the lawn instead of the driveway to help prevent detergents and grim from washing into the Lake. Or take it to a commercial car wash.
   MORE info: www.in.gov/idem/macs/factsheets/media/washcar.html



4. ONLY RAIN IN THE STORM DRAINS! Storm drains carry water directly to lakes and rivers. Never dump anything down a storm drain. Try storm drain stenciling as a class project.
   MORE info: www.earthwater-stencils.com/



5. LOOK FOR LEAKS! Greasy stains on the driveway mean your family's car may be leaking oil, which can pollute the Lake. Remind a grown-up to fix fluid leaks on cars and boats.
   MORE info: www.in.gov/idem/macs/factsheets/media/carleak.html

1. LEAVE IT ON THE LAWN! Leave grass clippings on your lawn to decompose instead of collecting, bagging and throwing them away. The clippings help naturally fertilize your lawn and you save time!
   MORE info: www.in.gov/idem/macs/factsheets/media/yardwaste.html



2. MAKE A DISH-WASH SWITCH! Many automatic dishwasher detergent brands still contain phosphorus--the chemical that causes algae blooms. Switch to brands that say phosphate or phosphorus free.
   MORE info: Phosphorus-Free Automatic Dishwashing Detergents (27 KB in Adobe PDF) factsheet or www.assabetriver.org/nutrient/detergents.html



3. TEST YOUR TURF! Test your lawn or garden soil before you fertilize. You may need less than you think! If you must fertilize, use compost or phosphorus-free fertilizers.
   MORE info: www.lcbp.org/garden.htm (lists UVM soil test contact)
   MORE info: www.vermont.org/gbic/lawnlake.html (Your Lawn, Your Lake)



4. THINK BEFORE SPRAYING! Many household and garden pests can be controlled naturally without spraying harmful chemicals. Look for natural or organic alternatives.
   MORE info: www.lcbp.org/garden.htm



5. CHECK THE SEPTIC! If not properly maintained, your septic system can pollute the Lake with harmful bacteria like E. Coli.
   MORE info: www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/pdf/septic%20news/Septic_Tank2.pdf